CLACKAMAS, Ore. – The states of Oregon and Washington today extended the recreational white sturgeon season in the lower Columbia River.

Under rules adopted during a joint state hearing, anglers will have an additional three-day period when retention of white sturgeon will be allowed. The extended season will take place Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26.

The extension was adopted because catch rates and fishing effort have been lower than expected this season, leaving additional fish available for harvest. It is the second extension approved since the regular season closed July 6.

The action applies to a 40-mile section of the Columbia downstream from the Wauna power lines to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Sturgeon must be 41-54 inches fork length to be retained, with a daily bag limit of one fish and an annual bag limit of five fish. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

From the Wauna power lines upstream to River Marker 85 below Bonneville Dam, sturgeon retention will continue as planned through July 31. Retention of white sturgeon is permitted in that section of the river on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a fork length limit of 38 to 54 inches. Above, River Marker 85, the Columbia is closed to sturgeon angling through July 31. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the area from Wauna power lines upstream to Bonneville Dam is scheduled to re-open to white sturgeon retention on Thursday through Saturday of each week.

Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@state.or.us
Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Contact: odfw.comments@state.or.us